Vela Creations is an in-depth resource for off grid living. The site documents our research and experiences, hoping that they might help others interested in pursuing this lifestyle. This blog is designed to document our day to day experiences as we build our new, sustainable homestead.
If you are interested in seeing more photos and videos, we have a flickr account at the following url:
http://flickr.com/photos/35090117@N05/collections/

Friday, April 25, 2014

We caught a fox a little while ago, which we skinned. We are now tanning the pelt.

The day after we butchered the second of our two pigs, we started having increased trouble with predators. At the time we had 17 guineas and 12 chickens. We now have 6 of the former and 4 of the latter.

It seems the pigs were acting as guard animals, and prevented predators coming up to the barn. While our dogs will not cross the electric fence that surrounds the barn and pastures, the coyotes and foxes seem to think it's worth the discomfort.

Abe has been hunting them every since. The vast majority of tracks and signs are coyotes, but the last hen to be killed (my favorite - a black and golden hen that laid double-yoked eggs) was taken by a fox. So far he hasn't had any luck with the coyotes, but he's been learning a lot about them and how to hunt them effectively.

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The whole area has a huge problem with coyotes, which will even take down calves. They are cunning, bold and seem to be always one step ahead. Despite the respect one has to feel for such creatures, their habits cannot be tolerated on such scale. We know we'll lose some animals to predators, and usually keep more than we want for that purpose. But you have to draw a line somewhere.

On the defensive side, we've moved the donkey, Cisco, up to the upper pastures, so that he can guard the barn. We are also about to install solar powered motion detector lights.

As for the offensive side of things, well, we have just bought some supplies to help us keep up with them. Abe also removed the urine from the fox, which is supposed to be a very effective lure. We have traps within the electric fence to protect the dogs, but still allow for the coyotes to enter.

We now have 10 new chicks, three Muscovy Ducks and will be getting more chicks, ducklings and baby guineas soon. So wish us luck in our efforts to protect them all.

We've been looking for Muscovy Ducks locally for a long time now, but couldn't find any.

[flickr set=72157644099597556 photo=6]

They are different from most domesticated ducks, which are descended from the Mallard. These are native to Mexico, Central and South America, and were domesticated centuries ago by Native American cultures (pre-Columbus).

They are larger than other ducks and have a leaner meat that is often compared to sirloin steak. They are also supposed to be quieter (often referred to as Mute Ducks). Another benefit for us is that they can be aggressive to predators, making them far less susceptible prey, and don't need as much water. Plus, they are supposed to be a more effective fly control than poison, as they catch over 80% of the flies they try to grab.

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So anyway, that's a sum up of why we wanted them, but no one seemed to have any. We put the word out with a few bird guys we know, to no avail. Eventually, we decided to order some eggs to incubate. As we delivered the eggs to one of the bird guys, who has several 5000 egg incubators, he told us he'd finally found some Muscovies. He called the source, who brought us three ducks. They're young, but apparently just started laying.

For now we have them shut up in one of the barn pens, with a barrel of water to play in. Once they've gotten used to us and the place, we'll be letting them loose and taking them down to the pond.

They are beautiful, and we are super excited to have them. Also looking forward to having ducklings in another month.

Monday, April 21, 2014

We caught a fox a little while ago, which we skinned. We are now tanning the pelt.

The day after we butchered the second of our two pigs, we started having increased trouble with predators. At the time we had 17 guineas and 12 chickens. We now have 6 of the former and 4 of the latter.

It seems the pigs were acting as guard animals, and prevented predators coming up to the barn. While our dogs will not cross the electric fence that surrounds the barn and pastures, the coyotes and foxes seem to think it's worth the discomfort.

Abe has been hunting them every since. The vast majority of tracks and signs are coyotes, but the last hen to be killed (my favorite - a black and golden hen that laid double-yoked eggs) was taken by a fox. So far he hasn't had any luck with the coyotes, but he's been learning a lot about them and how to hunt them effectively.

{loadposition adsense}

The whole area has a huge problem with coyotes, which will even take down calves. They are cunning, bold and seem to be always one step ahead. Despite the respect one has to feel for such creatures, their habits cannot be tolerated on such scale. We know we'll lose some animals to predators, and usually keep more than we want for that purpose. But you have to draw a line somewhere.

On the defensive side, we've moved the donkey, Cisco, up to the upper pastures, so that he can guard the barn. We are also about to install solar powered motion detector lights.

As for the offensive side of things, well, we have just bought some supplies to help us keep up with them. Abe also removed the urine from the fox, which is supposed to be a very effective lure. We have traps within the electric fence to protect the dogs, but still allow for the coyotes to enter.

We now have 10 new chicks, three Muscovy Ducks and will be getting more chicks, ducklings and baby guineas soon. So wish us luck in our efforts to protect them all.

We've been looking for Muscovy Ducks locally for a long time now, but couldn't find any.

[flickr set=72157644099597556 photo=6]

They are different from most domesticated ducks, which are descended from the Mallard. These are native to Mexico, Central and South America, and were domesticated centuries ago by Native American cultures (pre-Columbus).

They are larger than other ducks and have a leaner meat that is often compared to sirloin steak. They are also supposed to be quieter (often referred to as Mute Ducks). Another benefit for us is that they can be aggressive to predators, making them far less susceptible prey, and don't need as much water. Plus, they are supposed to be a more effective fly control than poison, as they catch over 80% of the flies they try to grab.

{loadposition adsense}

So anyway, that's a sum up of why we wanted them, but no one seemed to have any. We put the word out with a few bird guys we know, to no avail. Eventually, we decided to order some eggs to incubate. As we delivered the eggs to one of the bird guys, who has several 5000 egg incubators, he told us he'd finally found some Muscovies. He called the source, who brought us three ducks. They're young, but apparently just started laying.

For now we have them shut up in one of the barn pens, with a barrel of water to play in. Once they've gotten used to us and the place, we'll be letting them loose and taking them down to the pond.

They are beautiful, and we are super excited to have them. Also looking forward to having ducklings in another month.